batch file abc's


batch file abc's

This tutorial is for Windows PC users who want to routinely perform a series of file management operations without having to enter commands one at a time. Using a text editor such as Notepad, type each command on a separate line in the order of execution. Save the file with a .CMD extension.

If the following commands are saved in a batch file named BACKIMAGES.CMD, every time BACKIMAGES is run, the Xcopy commands will be executed in sequential order:
 BACKIMAGES.CMD xcopy \\images\\*.gif \\backup /mxcopy \\images\\*.jpg \\backup /mxcopy \\images\\*.png \\backup /m C:\\BATCHFILES>backimages run script


Tip!
Store all batch files in a dedicated folder and add that folder to the Path environment variable so that any batch file can be executed from any prompt (see Path environment variable).


SELECTIVE OPERATION
A batch file can include multiple tasks, and the user can choose which one to execute. See Choice.

USER INPUT
A batch file can be flexible and accept user input. The percent sign (%) symbol is used to indicate the parameter variables that are replaced with actual user input when the command is executed. Notice the behavior if the following command were in a batch file named SAVE.CMD:
 batch command: xcopy \\%1\\*.%2 g:\\ /m user enters: C:\\>save bob gif executes as: xcopy \\bob\\*.gif g:\\ /m


STOP A RUNNING BATCH FILE
To stop a batch file in operation, press Ctrl-C or Ctrl-Break.


Quick Reference


The following commands are commonly used in batch files:
cls Clear screen rem or :: Remarks @echo off Turn off display for this command only echo off Turn off display echo on Turn on display echo Display message; for example, echo Press Y for Yes call Call other batch file pause Stop and wait for keystroke choice Input selection (see Choice.) if not errorlevel 0 goto :lineif not exist filename goto :lineif not string1==string2 goto :line%1 - %9 - Input parameter variables